I’m a dermatologist who made the difficult decision to leave the medical field, I can’t help but reflect on the path I once chose and the regrets that still linger in my heart. While the pursuit of a fulfilling career and the joy of motherhood are not mutually exclusive, the demanding nature of medicine and the challenges of raising a large family proved to be an overwhelming combination.
I hope to share my experience and express the remorse I feel for leaving a profession that I was once deeply passionate about.
The Call of Medicine:
For years, medicine held a special place in my heart. The opportunity to help people, the thrill of diagnosis, and the continuous pursuit of knowledge captivated my spirit.
Dermatology, in particular, allowed me to combine my passion for science with a tangible impact on patients’ lives. Plus, who isn’t fascinated by the skin? It makes up 15% of your body weight, after all!
From diagnosing skin conditions to performing intricate surgical procedures, every day for me was a reminder of the profound influence medicine had on human well-being.
For years, medicine held a special place in my heart. The opportunity to help people, the thrill of diagnosis, and the continuous pursuit of knowledge captivated my spirit. Click To Tweet
Leaving:
The decision to step away was not one I made lightly.
It was born out of the immense pressure to juggle the demanding schedule of a dermatologist with the responsibilities of being a mother of four.
The long hours, constant on-call duties, and emotional toll of patient care began to take a toll on my family life, and I found myself torn between my professional obligations and the desire to be present for my children during their formative years.
The Struggles of Motherhood:
Motherhood is a beautiful and rewarding experience, but it came with its own set of challenges.
Raising four children required an extraordinary amount of time, energy, and attention.
As a dermatologist, it became increasingly difficult to strike a balance between work and family life.
The demands of the medical field often left me physically and emotionally drained, leaving little energy for the meaningful interactions my children needed and deserved.
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Missed Milestones and Precious Moments:
One of the most painful aspects of leaving medicine was witnessing the countless milestones and precious moments that slipped through my fingers.
From first steps to school performances, I missed out on experiencing the simple joys that make parenthood so meaningful. The guilt that accompanied these missed opportunities weighed heavily on my heart, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was letting my children down.
Was there remorse and Reflection? sure. Leaving the medical field brought a mix of relief and regret.
While I am grateful for the chance to be present for my children’s lives, a part of me will always wonder what could have been.
I mourn the loss of a career that allowed me to make a difference in people’s lives, and I long for the intellectual stimulation and professional fulfillment that medicine provided.
It is a bittersweet realization that life is often about making difficult choices, and sometimes we have to let go of one dream to prioritize another.
Moving Forward:
Although I may no longer practice medicine, my passion for dermatology has not waned.
I find solace in sharing my knowledge and experiences through writing, educating others about skin health, and continuing to stay updated with medical advancements. I’ve come to accept that my decision to leave the medical field was driven by the love and dedication I have for my family, and I must honor that choice.
As a dermatologist who left medicine, I carry the weight of remorse for stepping away from a career that once defined me. The conflicting demands of being a mother of four and a physician ultimately led me to make a difficult choice.
Yet, amidst the regret, I find solace in knowing that I am fully present for my children’s lives, cherishing the moments that would have otherwise slipped away.
Life is a journey of decisions, and sometimes sacrifices must be made for the greater good.
Though I’ve chosen a different path, I’ll always hold medicine in high regard, grateful for the time spent in its noble pursuit.
(I hope that my candid share will allow others to express their own feelings, even those who choose to stay inside the field.)
One Response
I’m proud of you for choosing you and your family over work. Thanks for sharing so candidly.
If you ever have the itch (ha!) to come back, I’ll be happy to help you find a gig with not so long hours and minimal call. I was a bit shocked to read that you suffered from long hours and constantly being on-call as a derm.
Enjoy your freedom!